Aningalan: A bird watching area will be established in the upland barangay of Aningalan, San Remigio town, as an additional eco-tourism attraction and research site. Aningalan, known for its scenic beauty, is a popular tourism destination in Antique.

According to Philippines News Agency, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ruth Martinez announced in an interview that the inception and establishment of the bird watching area will commence next month at the Aningalan Experimental Forest. This project follows a Multi-Partite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) forged in November last year with the Antique provincial government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), University of the Philippines Visayas, University of Antique, and other involved parties.

Martinez highlighted that the Aningalan Experimental Forest is recognized as a biodiversity-rich area, home to a variety of endemic and migratory bird species. Among the notable birds in the area are the endangered Yellow-faced flameback, Visayan balicassiao, Visayan fantail, Visayan tailorbird, White-bellied woodpecker, and the Elegant tit. These species thrive in Aningalan due to its old-growth forest.

Plans include identifying vantage points for bird watching and establishing trails. The 111-hectare experimental forest is managed by the DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau-Coastal Resources and Ecotourism Research Development and Extension Center. Educational partners are tasked with promoting education, research, and extension services to bolster conservation and community development efforts.

Additional support comes from the Haribon Foundation and Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., which have committed to providing technical support and community-based biodiversity initiatives. The local organization of resort owners, Hayahay sa Ambon Inc., will promote responsible tourism and develop tourism packages that incorporate bird-watching activities in the area.